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GEMS - Gain Employment, Maintain Support

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GEMS - Gain Employment, Maintain Support

We all want to take the best care of our children. But sometimes it is tough to find decent work and make enough money to support them. Here is a chance to get on a new track for you and your family.

How Can GEMS Help Me?

As a GEMS participant, you will be eligible to receive the following services:

  • Career Coach
    Receive one-on-one attention and referrals to needed services. Participants meet with their career coach at least once a week to support their progress.
  • Job Leads and Career Planning
    Get help finding job leads that fit your skills. Hear ideas and strategies job seekers use to get hired. Learn about ways to earn better wages and advance your career.
  • Support Services
    You may receive help with things like work-related expenses, transportation, licensing fees, job training, and GED or English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, if available. You also may be eligible for job retention and career advancement services for up to six months after entering employment.
  • Incentives
    The FOC may reinstate suspended licenses, review your child support order to see if it can be lowered, lift bench warrants and reconsider other enforcement actions that are in effect. Michigan Works! may supply financial incentives when you reach specific milestones in the program.
  • On the Job Training (OJT)
    OJT is a vital tool that can help job seekers with re-entering the workforce. This program offers a wage reimbursement to employers to train you on new skills.

Get Involved with GEMS

To receive GEMS services, you may voluntarily enroll, or a judge may refer you into the program as part of a court order. You can speak with your enforcement officer to learn more.

Those who participate in program:

  • Must have an open child support case and reside in a participating county. Current counties are Allegan, Bay, Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, and St. Joseph.
  • Can volunteer or be court-ordered.
  • Must pass a drug screen if requested by employers.

This program is made possible through a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and its Michigan Office of Child Support, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, county Friend of the Court offices and regional Michigan Works! offices.